A draft circular announced on Thursday will limit these extra points. Starting in 2027, priority points will be granted only for a student’s residential area or for those covered by preferential policies, with values ranging from 0.25 to 0.75 points.

Because of the existing bonus rules, hundreds of applicants this year reported admission scores of 30 or higher, even though only five students nationwide actually earned a perfect 30 on their exams.

Nguyen Tien Thao, director of the Department of Higher Education, said the bonus point system creates inequality and does not accurately reflect academic ability.

Students can still use foreign language certificates to convert scores for language subjects or to meet entry requirements for programs taught in a foreign language, but the certificates will no longer add extra points to the main score.

The ministry is seeking public feedback on the draft circular until Sept. 23.